South African, Sheldon Van Der Linde joins Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Champion, Simon Evans in Jaguar TCS Racing’s rookie test line-up. Formula E’s official rookie test will be the first of its kind since 2020.
Sheldon, a BMW factory driver has raced in DTM for the last four years and is the current 2022 DTM Champion. The 23-year-old started karting at the age of six, gained a wealth of experience and won multiple national titles before moving into cars in 2014. Since then, he has continued his impressive career and seen success in the ADAC Total 24 hours of Nürburgring.
Simon, elder brother of Mitch Evans, will return to the iconic Tempelhof Circuit, where he was crowned Champion of the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race series, three years after an epic ‘lockdown showdown’ finale.
The 32-year-old Kiwi will step into the cockpit of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 as part of his long-awaited prize for winning the all-electric production-based race series.
James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “The rookie test is an important day for both teams and drivers and I’m very pleased that we have Sheldon and Simon driving the Jaguar I-TYPE 6. It’s an opportunity to give new and upcoming talent an opportunity and assessment in the Gen3 race car and for us as a team to continue to build valuable data and insight into this new car. Sheldon’s résumé is without question and we are very pleased to have this very talented young driver in one of our cars and see how he approaches his time with us and his feedback. Simon has been a stand-out member of the Jaguar family, racing in the Jaguar I-TYPE eTROPHY for two seasons and ultimately becoming Champion in a very competitive season. It goes without saying that Mitch is also very proud to see his brother have this opportunity.”
Sheldon Van Der Linde, Jaguar TCS Racing Rookie driver: “I’m very proud to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing for my first rookie test in the Jaguar I-TYPE 6. The rookie test is a really great opportunity for young and upcoming drivers to try new motorsport categories and I’m really looking forward to driving the Gen3 race car for the first time. I’ve visited the team in Grove and have been working closely with the engineers to familiarise myself with the simulator, systems and procedures to be best prepared for what’s ahead in Berlin. From what I’ve heard, Formula E is particularly challenging if you’re a rookie, so it will be great to get some valuable experience in the all-electric racing series.”
Simon Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing Rookie driver: “I’m incredibly excited to be taking part in the official rookie test for Jaguar TCS Racing. The Jaguar family has always meant a lot to me, and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. It’s the first time I will have been back to Berlin since I won the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY at the Tempelhof circuit. It’s definitely going to bring back some great memories. I know the track very well but it’s been a long time since I’ve driven a single-seater. I’m going to enjoy myself, while hopefully getting some valuable data for the team.”
Published by: Nomaswazi Nkosi – Jaguar Land Rover South Africa
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